The conference aims to cement regional ties through a set of confidence building measures.

The process will expand coordination between Afghanistan and its neighbours in facing common threats including terrorism, narcotics, poverty and extremism.

Foreign ministers of 10 countries, including India, China, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Iran have confirmed participation, said the foreign ministry.

Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will on Tuesday arrive in Islamabad to attend the meeting.

Sushma Swaraj will also meet Sharif and Aziz at the sidelines of the Heart of Asia meeting.

The Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process was formed in 2011 at the initiative of Afghanistan and Turkey.

The main objective of the process is to foster efforts for regional cooperation and connectivity with a view to promoting long-term peace and stability as well as progress and development in Afghanistan and the region.

The process would underline commitments from the Heart of Asia countries and partners for sustained efforts towards promoting peace and security, economic development and connectivity in the region.